Methods of Preventing School Dropout through Sports
Keywords:
dropout, sports activities, school performance, disadvantaged areas, motivationAbstract
Abstract: In this study, we examined how sports activities can be used to prevent school drop-out among children and adolescents in disadvantaged areas. We used a correlational analysis methodology using SPSS software to assess the correlation between participation in sports activities and school performance, absenteeism and motivation for school. Our results showed that there is a significant and positive correlation between participation in sports activities and school performance, motivation for school and attendance. In particular, students who participate in sports activities on a regular basis experienced a significant increase in grade point average, a significant decrease in absenteeism, and a significant increase in motivation and commitment to school. These results suggest that sports activities could be an effective way to prevent dropout and improve school performance among children and adolescents in disadvantaged areas. It is important to stress that these correlations cannot be considered causal, but only associative, as there were other factors that could influence school performance and absenteeism, such as socio-economic status and parents' educational level. However, our data provide strong evidence in favor of the use of sport activities as an effective way to prevent dropout and improve school performance among children and adolescents in disadvantaged areas.
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